Choosing a Fireplace Surround
The best surround can add a sense of style to your living area regardless of whether you are using it for warmth or to enhance your aesthetics. But choosing a fireplace surround that meets the requirements of code and is safe could be a challenge.
Fortunately, these custom built surrounds are made with non-combustible materials that adhere to the National Fire Code. They look fantastic in any home style.
Simple Concrete Surround with Marble Slabs
A fireplace surround can be an important focal point in rooms, and it can bring warmth and charm. It is made from a wide variety of materials and can be designed to match different design styles. Before you decide on a fireplace design it is essential to take into consideration the style and budget of the room.
Marble fireplace surrounds provide an elegant look that is compatible with many different styles of design. They can be combined with rustic woods and modern metals to create an distinctive, modern design. Marble is fairly easy to maintain and can withstand high temperatures, making it an ideal choice for a fireplace surround.
Stone is a classic fireplace surround material that has a timeless appeal and can be used in a variety of homes. It can be cut and etched to give it a modern look or left untouched for a more traditional appearance. Stacked stone veneers are a popular option that can be used to give depth and texture to a room.
Granite is a popular choice for modern fireplace surrounds due to the fact that it's durable and stands up to heat extremely well. It is available in many designs and colors, which allows you to create various designs. Quartzite can be also formed and shaped to match a modern surround.
If you're a DIYer making a fireplace surround made of concrete may be within your abilities. Although it might seem like a daunting task but it can be much easier than you think if you prepare and collaborate with a professional to ensure that the structure is strong enough.
A professional is also recommended when building a marble fireplace surround, as it requires special attention to avoid damage. A skilled carpenter can help avoid making mistakes that could cost you thousands of dollars in repairs.
If you are planning to use tile as a fireplace surround, you must make sure it's suitable for high temperatures. This information is usually located on the label or you can ask a staff member at an improvement store for.
Leaning Frame Surround
The fireplace surround is an essential design element that can completely transform the entire room. It's not just meant to look attractive, but also has a functional function that is to shield the wall behind the fireplace from fire damage and deflect heat back into the room. It comes in a variety materials and can be customized to fit any style or design.
The right choice of material is crucial to achieve a definite aesthetic. Concrete is a good choice due to its durability and non-flammable. It also offers lots of visual appeal with its natural texture and color. Concrete is usually placed into a mold giving you the opportunity to create a unique design for your fireplace surround.
Layers are crucial when creating your leaning frames. This makes the frame appear more planned than if it were just randomly placed. If you are planning to display heavy objects such as vases or lamps on leaning frames, place a piece of lining for a drawer made of rubber under the base. This will prevent them from sliding off or damaging surfaces.
If you're using a concrete or marble surround, think about adding an oak board at the bottom to keep it in the right place. It will also help to reduce the weight of the piece and stop it from moving when you're enjoying a nice glass of wine or a cup of coffee on your mantel.
Once you have decided on the material, it's time to build the actual piece. Mark the wall with the dimensions of your surround. Then with a saw, cut cleats along each line. Make sure that the cleat on the top of the shelf is at a minimum a foot shorter.
Next, screw the brackets onto the wall. Make sure that the bolts are inserted through the backerboard and into the stud. If necessary, drill the screw holes. Then, temporarily clamp the mantel on the backer board. Attach the mantel to the studs with the lag bolts (2-4 bolts per stud). Make sure the bolts are long enough to cover 2/3 of the mantel depth plus the thickness of the backer board.
Black Firebox Surround
Fireplace surrounds serve an aesthetic and functional function. They shield walls from heat damage, reflect heat into the space and make a fireplace the focal point of a space. The most popular materials for fireplace surrounds are wood and metal. Metal surrounds can be required by the building code to guard against nearby combustible substances or they can enhance the aesthetics of a fireplace.
This fireplace is modern living space with an all-black surround and white marble accents. The marble is more expensive and requires more care than wood, yet it provides a striking design element to the space. The black finish also brings to the dark hues of the furniture and wood flooring to create a seamless appearance.
Concrete isn't just for sidewalks and driveways. It's also a versatile and attractive material that can be used to enclose fireplaces wooden. It can be poured on top and shaped into any shape, offering you almost limitless design possibilities. This concrete surround was cut into a curved shape. It gives a sleek and modern look that contrasts with the darker shades of the brick wall and wood flooring.
Another popular material for fireplace surrounds is wood which comes in a wide range of textures and colors that complement any decor scheme. Wooden surrounds are lighter and less expensive than masonry surrounds and electric fire (video1Tube.com) they can be finished to match the color of your current hearth pad. The majority of wooden fireplaces surrounds can accommodate household decor above the mantel including lamps and vases.
Some wood surrounds have faceplates that cover the top of mantel and houses the fireplace doors. The faceplate can be attached to the mantel with hinges or decorative fasteners which resemble the appearance of iron.
It is important to consider the size of your fireplace when selecting a mantel made of wood. To stop a fire from spreading into your home, building codes stipulate minimum clearances. This distance will vary based on the type of fireplace and can also change from the country to the country or state to state.
Simple Wood Surround
If you'd like your fireplace to have a classic wood look, there are many kinds of surrounds that can be purchased. Certain surrounds are constructed of solid oak, while others include stone legs with oak or pine mantels. You can also find pine or oak fireplace surrounds that are designed to be a cheap and simple option.
Many people prefer to purchase pre-made wood fireplace surrounds since it's an economical way to achieve the style they want without hiring carpenters. Some of the pre-made pine fireplace surrounds are even available in a variety of finishes to match it to your existing decor.
A hand-crafted wood fire surround constructed from top quality oak is also a popular choice. This can be stained in the light oak color or left untreated to let the natural golden brown of the wood to shine through. This fireplace surround can be used with either gas or wood fires. It comes in two different styles: arched or flat.
For those of you who have a bit more experience with DIY home improvement projects, there are a lot of tutorials on the internet that will assist you in creating your own fire surround from wood. This step-by-step tutorial from H2O Bungalow shows you how to create a rustic wood surround using pine.
The guide explains how to construct the horizontal component of the fireplace surround first, then how to build the columns or pilasters vertically that support the mantel. Once these are complete, you can install the mantel. Finally, the tutorial will show you how to install the crown molding which will be used to fill in any gaps between the cladding and surrounding wall.
Because a fireplace surround made of wood is made from combustible material, it is important to adhere to the fire codes of your area and keep it 6 inches away from the edge of the chimney opening. Use a non-flammable glue to attach the decorative molding to the surround, and ensure that it stays in place.